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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Bed Rest for Preterm Labor

Bed Rest for Preterm Labor

Overview

Expectant management is the close monitoring of a pregnancy for complications. It may involve some bed rest at home or in the hospital. Being on expectant management may mean you are advised to stop working, reduce your activity level, or possibly spend a lot of time resting (partial bed rest).

There is no evidence that long-term bed rest lowers the risk of preterm delivery.footnote 1 Studies have shown that strict bed rest for 3 days or more may raise your risk of getting a blood clot in the legs or lungs.footnote 2 Strict bed rest is no longer used to prevent preterm labor. But your doctor may recommend expectant management with some bed rest (partial bed rest).

If you are prescribed partial bed rest

If your doctor or nurse-midwife suggests expectant management for preventing preterm labor, discuss the benefits and risks in light of your condition.

When you are resting or sleeping during late pregnancy, try to lie on your side. This is thought to improve blood flow to the uterus and fetus(es).

Dehydration can trigger contractions, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids each day.

When you are lying down, remember to flex your feet, stretch, and move your legs as much as possible.

References

References

Citations

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2012). Management of preterm labor. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 127. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 119(6): 1308–1317.
  2. Cunningham FG, et al., eds. (2010). Preterm birth. In Williams Obstetrics, 23rd ed., pp. 804–831. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Preterm Labor Multiple Pregnancy: Twins or More

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